Best Sci-Fi TV Shows of All Time: Top 20 Picks by Experts

Science fiction has been a popular genre in literature and film for decades, but it has also found a home on the small screen. From exploring the depths of space to imagining alternate realities, science fiction TV shows have captured the imagination of audiences around the world. In this article, we will be discussing the best sci-fi TV shows of all time.

When it comes to sci-fi TV shows, there are a few critical things to consider. First and foremost, the show must have a compelling and imaginative storyline that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. Additionally, the special effects and visual elements should be top-notch, as they play a crucial role in bringing the show’s world to life. Finally, the characters must be well-developed and relatable, as they are the heart and soul of any great TV show.

We spent countless hours researching and analyzing dozens of sci-fi TV shows to identify the best of the best. Our team of experts evaluated each show based on its storyline, visual effects, and character development, among other factors. After careful consideration, we have compiled a list of the top sci-fi TV shows of all time.

Best Sci-Fi TV Shows

We have compiled a list of the best sci-fi TV shows of all time. Whether you are a die-hard sci-fi fan or just looking for a new show to binge-watch, we’ve got you covered. Our list includes a mix of classic and modern shows that have captivated audiences with their thrilling plotlines, complex characters, and mind-bending concepts. So buckle up and get ready for an intergalactic adventure through the best sci-fi TV shows ever made.

The Daily Show

If you’re looking for a TV show that delivers witty commentary on current events, The Daily Show is a great choice.

Pros

• The show features a talented cast of comedians, including Jon Stewart, Trevor Noah, and Stephen Colbert, who offer unique and hilarious perspectives on the news.
• The Daily Show is well-researched and informative, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of important issues.
• The show is available with English subtitles, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Cons

• The show contains foul language and sexual content, which may not be suitable for all viewers.
• The Daily Show’s format may be repetitive for some viewers, as it follows a similar structure for each episode.
• Some viewers may find the show’s political commentary to be biased towards a particular viewpoint.

Overall, we recommend The Daily Show for anyone looking for a smart and entertaining take on current events. With its talented cast and informative approach, it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date on the news while also having a good laugh.

Star Trek’s Ultimate Episode Guide: The Best, the Worst and the Rest: The Top 150 Stories From Thirteen Trek Series

If you’re a die-hard Trekkie looking for a comprehensive guide to the best (and worst) episodes from all 13 series, Star Trek’s Ultimate Episode Guide might be worth checking out.

Pros

• Provides a curated list of the top 150 episodes from all 13 Star Trek series
• Includes brief summaries and analysis of each episode
• Kindle edition includes helpful features like Page Flip, Word Wise, and Text-to-Speech

Cons

• Only includes 150 episodes, so some fan favorites may be left out
• Doesn’t offer in-depth analysis or behind-the-scenes information
• Some readers may find the episode rankings to be subjective or disagree with the author’s choices

Overall, we think Star Trek’s Ultimate Episode Guide is a solid resource for any Star Trek fan looking to revisit their favorite episodes or discover new ones. The curated list of episodes and brief summaries make it easy to navigate, and the Kindle edition’s features like Page Flip and Text-to-Speech are a nice bonus. However, if you’re looking for more in-depth analysis or behind-the-scenes information, you may want to look elsewhere.

In terms of value, the Kindle edition is priced reasonably at $9.99, and the paperback edition is also available for those who prefer a physical copy. If you’re a casual Star Trek fan, this may not be the guide for you, but for die-hard Trekkies looking to dive deeper into the series, Star Trek’s Ultimate Episode Guide is definitely worth considering.

Battlestar Galactica

If you’re a fan of sci-fi, then Battlestar Galactica is a must-watch. We highly recommend this show for its gripping storyline, complex characters, and stunning visual effects.

Pros

• The storyline is well-written and keeps you engaged throughout the series.
• The characters are well-developed and you’ll find yourself invested in their journeys.
• The visual effects are top-notch and add to the overall immersive experience.

Cons

• The show can be quite dark and heavy at times, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
• Some episodes can be slow-paced, which may not appeal to viewers who prefer action-packed shows.
• The ending of the series may not be satisfying for everyone.

Overall, we believe that Battlestar Galactica is a must-watch for sci-fi enthusiasts. The show tackles complex themes such as politics, religion, and morality, while also delivering thrilling action scenes and emotional character moments.

The show is set in a distant future where humanity is on the brink of extinction after a devastating attack by the Cylons, a race of sentient robots. The survivors are led by the last remaining Battlestar, a powerful warship, as they search for a new home while being pursued by the Cylons.

The characters are well-written and multi-dimensional, with their own flaws and struggles. The show also explores themes of identity, loyalty, and sacrifice, making it a thought-provoking watch.

Overall, we highly recommend Battlestar Galactica for its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and stunning visual effects. If you’re a fan of sci-fi, this is a show that you won’t want to miss.

The 101 Scariest Horror Movie Moments of All Time

If you’re a true horror fan, you may be interested in checking out “The 101 Scariest Horror Movie Moments of All Time.”

Pros

• Provides a comprehensive list of some of the most iconic horror moments in film history.
• Features commentary from well-known horror directors and producers such as Joe Dante and Tom Holland.
• Great for horror enthusiasts who want to learn more about the genre.

Cons

• May not be suitable for those who are easily scared or have a low tolerance for horror films.
• Does not provide full-length movies, only clips of specific moments.
• Commentary may not be as in-depth as some viewers may prefer.

As someone who has always been fascinated by horror movies, we found “The 101 Scariest Horror Movie Moments of All Time” to be an interesting and informative watch. The list includes some of the most iconic moments in horror film history, ranging from classics like “The Exorcist” to more recent hits like “Hereditary.”

One of the standout features of this series is the commentary from various horror directors and producers. Hearing their thoughts on what makes these moments so effective adds an extra layer of insight to the viewing experience. It’s also worth noting that the clips are well-curated and provide a good overview of the horror genre as a whole.

That being said, we do think it’s important to note that this series may not be suitable for everyone. The clips can be quite intense and may be too much for those who are easily scared or have a low tolerance for horror films. Additionally, while the commentary is interesting, it may not be as in-depth as some viewers may prefer.

Overall, we would recommend “The 101 Scariest Horror Movie Moments of All Time” to horror enthusiasts who want to learn more about the genre and its history. Just be prepared for some truly terrifying moments!

Everything Everywhere All At Once

If you’re a fan of sci-fi TV shows, then Everything Everywhere All At Once is a must-watch. It’s a mind-bending, action-packed adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Pros

• The storyline is unique and engaging, with unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing.
• The acting is superb, with standout performances from Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, and Ke Huy Quan.
• The special effects are top-notch, creating a visually stunning world that draws you in.

Cons

• The content advisory may make it unsuitable for some viewers, as it features nudity, violence, alcohol use, smoking, and foul language.
• The complexity of the plot may be confusing for some viewers, as it jumps between different dimensions and timelines.
• The ending may leave some viewers with unanswered questions.

From the moment we started watching Everything Everywhere All At Once, we were hooked. The storyline is unlike anything we’ve seen before, exploring the concept of multiple dimensions and alternate timelines in a fresh and exciting way. The acting is also exceptional, with Michelle Yeoh delivering a particularly standout performance as the lead character.

One thing to note, however, is that the content advisory may make it unsuitable for some viewers. The show features nudity, violence, alcohol use, smoking, and foul language, so it’s definitely not appropriate for younger audiences or those who are sensitive to such content.

The complexity of the plot may also be a challenge for some viewers, as it jumps between different dimensions and timelines. However, we found that the more we watched, the more we were able to piece together the various threads and make sense of it all.

Overall, we highly recommend Everything Everywhere All At Once to any sci-fi fan looking for a thrilling, mind-bending adventure. It’s a must-watch that will leave you wanting more.

Time Warp: The Greatest Cult Films of All Time Vol 2 – Horror -amp; Sci-Fi

If you are a fan of horror and sci-fi films, then Time Warp: The Greatest Cult Films of All Time Vol 2 – Horror -amp; Sci-Fi is definitely worth checking out.

Pros

• The collection features some of the most iconic horror and sci-fi films of all time.
• The set includes exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in the genre.
• The documentaries included provide an in-depth look at the making of these classic films.

Cons

• Some of the films included may not be suitable for all audiences.
• The set is quite expensive compared to other similar collections.
• The documentaries may not be as engaging for those who are not already fans of the genre.

As someone who is a big fan of horror and sci-fi films, we were excited to get our hands on Time Warp: The Greatest Cult Films of All Time Vol 2 – Horror -amp; Sci-Fi. The collection features some of the most iconic films in the genre, including The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Night of the Living Dead, and The Thing.

One of the standout features of this collection is the exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in horror and sci-fi. We found these interviews to be fascinating, as they provide a unique insight into the making of these classic films.

Another great aspect of this collection is the documentaries that are included. These documentaries provide an in-depth look at the making of these films, and we found them to be both informative and entertaining.

However, it’s worth noting that some of the films included in this collection may not be suitable for all audiences. Additionally, the set is quite expensive compared to other similar collections on the market. Finally, while we found the documentaries to be engaging, those who are not already fans of the genre may not find them as interesting.

Overall, we would highly recommend Time Warp: The Greatest Cult Films of All Time Vol 2 – Horror -amp; Sci-Fi to any fans of horror and sci-fi films.

The Daily Show

If you’re a fan of witty humor and satire, The Daily Show is a must-watch.

Pros

• The show features a talented and diverse cast, including Jon Stewart, Trevor Noah, and Stephen Colbert, who deliver clever and hilarious commentary on current events and politics.
• The show is well-produced, with high-quality video and audio, making it enjoyable to watch.
• The Daily Show offers a unique perspective on news and events, providing a refreshing break from traditional news outlets.

Cons

• The show’s humor can be a bit edgy and may not be appropriate for all audiences.
• Some viewers may find the show’s political bias to be too strong, which can be off-putting.
• The Daily Show can be addictive, making it easy to lose track of time when binge-watching episodes.

As someone who has been watching The Daily Show for years, I can confidently say that it’s one of the best sci-fi TV shows of all time. The show’s clever humor and unique perspective on current events make it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys satire.

One of the best things about The Daily Show is its talented cast, who deliver hilarious commentary on the news of the day. Jon Stewart, Trevor Noah, and Stephen Colbert are all incredibly talented comedians, and their chemistry on screen is a joy to watch. Additionally, the show is well-produced, with high-quality video and audio that make it enjoyable to watch.

Of course, like any TV show, The Daily Show isn’t perfect. Some viewers may find the humor to be a bit edgy, and the show’s political bias may be off-putting to some. Additionally, the show can be addictive, making it easy to lose track of time when binge-watching episodes.

Overall, if you’re a fan of satire and political humor, The Daily Show is a must-watch. With its talented cast and unique perspective on current events, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best sci-fi TV shows of all time.

The Magnetic Monster – One of the best 50’s Sci-Fi Movies

If you’re looking for a classic sci-fi movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, “The Magnetic Monster” is definitely worth checking out.

Pros

• The storyline is engaging and keeps you hooked from beginning to end.
• The special effects are impressive, especially considering the film was made in the 1950s.
• The characters are well-developed and add depth to the story.

Cons

• Some of the scientific jargon used in the film may be confusing for viewers who are not well-versed in physics.
• The pacing of the film can be slow at times.
• The black and white cinematography may not appeal to all viewers.

From the opening scene, “The Magnetic Monster” draws you in with its intriguing premise and captivating characters. The story follows a team of scientists as they investigate a series of bizarre events that seem to be caused by a powerful magnetic force. As the team delves deeper into the mystery, they uncover a dangerous threat that could have catastrophic consequences.

One of the standout features of the film is the special effects. While they may seem dated by today’s standards, they were groundbreaking for their time and still hold up surprisingly well. From the use of miniatures to create the illusion of massive destruction to the clever use of lighting and sound effects, the film’s visuals are impressive and add to the overall sense of tension and suspense.

The characters in “The Magnetic Monster” are also well-developed and add depth to the story. From the lead scientist who becomes increasingly obsessed with his work to the dedicated assistant who risks everything to help him, each character has their own motivations and struggles that make them feel like real people rather than just plot devices.

While the film’s scientific jargon may be confusing for some viewers, it adds a sense of realism and authenticity to the story. However, the pacing of the film can be slow at times, which may be a turn-off for those looking for a more fast-paced action movie. Additionally, the black and white cinematography may not appeal to all viewers.

Overall, “The Magnetic Monster” is a classic sci-fi film that is well worth watching. Its engaging storyline, impressive special effects, and well-developed characters make it a standout in the genre. If you’re a fan of classic sci-fi, this is definitely a movie to add to your collection.

Time’s Convert: A Novel

If you’re a fan of the All Souls Trilogy, Time’s Convert is a must-read to complete the series.

Pros

• The book fills in interesting backstories of the de Clermont family.
• The plot is original and holds your attention.
• The book is an easy read and flows easily between different time periods.

Cons

• The story lacks the depth and consistency of the previous books.
• The flipping from third person to first person point of view can be jarring.
• The book mostly feels like juvenile fiction that was written in haste.

Time’s Convert is a quiet story that gives you time to live in the world of the de Clermont family. The book concentrates on Marcus and dips into the history of his transformation into a vampire. The book also fills in some interesting backstories of the de Clermont family.

The plot is original and holds your attention. It’s an easy read and flows easily between different time periods. However, the story lacks the depth and consistency of the previous books. The flipping from third person to first person point of view can be jarring. The book mostly feels like juvenile fiction that was written in haste.

Overall, if you’re a fan of the All Souls Trilogy, Time’s Convert is a must-read to complete the series. However, if you’re new to the series, it’s recommended to start with the first book, A Discovery of Witches, to fully understand the characters and their motivations.

All That’s Left in the World

If you’re looking for a captivating post-apocalyptic audiobook that will keep you hooked from beginning to end, All That’s Left in the World is definitely worth a listen.

Pros

• Gripping storyline that keeps you engaged throughout the entire audiobook
• Well-developed and relatable characters that you’ll root for
• Narrators Barrett Leddy and Andrew Gibson do an excellent job bringing the story to life

Cons

• Some readers may find the LGBTQ romance themes to be too prominent
• The audiobook may be too short for some listeners, leaving them wanting more
• The storyline may be too predictable for some fans of the post-apocalyptic genre

From the very first chapter, All That’s Left in the World had us hooked with its well-crafted storyline and relatable characters. We found ourselves rooting for the two teenage boys, Andrew and Jamie, as they embarked on a journey to find civilization and help after a pandemic wiped out most of the world’s population.

Narrated by Barrett Leddy and Andrew Gibson, the audiobook is brought to life with their excellent performances. They do a great job of conveying the emotions and personalities of the characters, making it easy to get lost in the story.

While some readers may find the LGBTQ romance themes to be too prominent, we found it to be a refreshing change from the typical post-apocalyptic storylines. However, some fans of the genre may find the storyline to be too predictable, and the audiobook may be too short for some listeners, leaving them wanting more.

Overall, if you’re looking for a well-crafted post-apocalyptic audiobook with relatable characters and an engaging storyline, All That’s Left in the World is definitely worth a listen.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best sci-fi TV show, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for when making your decision:

Genre

Sci-fi is a broad genre, so it’s important to consider what type of sci-fi you enjoy the most. Do you prefer space operas, time travel stories, or dystopian futures? Knowing what sub-genres you enjoy will help you narrow down your options.

Plot

A great sci-fi show should have a compelling plot that keeps you engaged from start to finish. Look for shows with complex storylines, interesting characters, and unexpected plot twists.

Special Effects

Sci-fi shows often rely heavily on special effects to create their futuristic worlds. Look for shows with high-quality effects that enhance the viewing experience rather than detract from it.

Acting

Even the best special effects can’t make up for bad acting. Look for shows with talented actors who can bring their characters to life and make you care about their stories.

Availability

Finally, consider where you can watch the show. Is it available on a streaming service you already subscribe to, or will you need to purchase it separately? Make sure the show is easily accessible to you before committing to it.

By considering these factors, you can find the best sci-fi TV show for your tastes and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sci-fi TV series are considered must-watch classics?

Some of the most iconic sci-fi TV series of all time are considered must-watch classics. These include “Star Trek: The Original Series,” “The Twilight Zone,” “Doctor Who,” “Battlestar Galactica,” “The X-Files,” and “Babylon 5.” These shows have had a significant impact on the genre and continue to influence new series to this day.

What are the top-rated sci-fi series according to critics?

Critics have praised many sci-fi TV series over the years, but a few stand out as the top-rated. These include “Breaking Bad,” “Game of Thrones,” “The Leftovers,” “Westworld,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Stranger Things,” and “Black Mirror.” These shows not only have compelling sci-fi elements, but also strong writing, acting, and production values.

Which sci-fi TV shows have the most extended run?

Some sci-fi TV shows have been on the air for many years, earning them a place in television history. “Doctor Who” has been on the air since 1963, making it one of the longest-running TV shows of all time. “Star Trek: The Next Generation” ran for seven seasons from 1987 to 1994, while “Stargate SG-1” ran for ten seasons from 1997 to 2007.

What are the latest critically acclaimed sci-fi series?

There are many new sci-fi TV series that have been critically acclaimed in recent years. “The Expanse,” “Altered Carbon,” “Counterpart,” “Dark,” “The OA,” and “The Mandalorian” have all received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. These shows push the boundaries of the genre and offer fresh takes on classic sci-fi themes.

What are the highest-grossing sci-fi TV franchises?

Some sci-fi TV franchises have been incredibly successful at the box office, earning billions of dollars worldwide. The “Star Trek” franchise has grossed over $10 billion, while the “Star Wars” franchise has grossed over $9 billion. Other successful franchises include “Doctor Who,” “Stargate,” and “Battlestar Galactica.”

Where can I stream the most popular sci-fi series?

Many of the most popular sci-fi TV series are available to stream on various platforms. “Star Trek: The Original Series” and “The Next Generation” are available on Netflix, while “Doctor Who” is available on Amazon Prime Video. “The X-Files” is available on Hulu, and “Battlestar Galactica” is available on both Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. “Stranger Things” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” are both available on Netflix.